Teardrop Flag Printing

The Flag Shape Everyone Recognises

The teardrop is the shape most people picture when they hear "promotional flag" — a curved leading edge sweeping back to a point, held under tension so the fabric stays taut rather than flapping.

That tension is the practical advantage. The graphic keeps its shape in light wind, so your message stays readable instead of rippling in and out of legibility.

Four sizes up to 4350mm, with collapsible poles and a carry bag included. Free UK delivery.

Sizes

Ground clearance matters if the flag sits behind parked cars or a standing crowd. The Small starts 410mm off the ground, so the graphic is readable at close range; the Extra Large clears 750mm and carries over heads.

Left-Facing or Right-Facing?

The thing to get right before ordering, because the two aren't interchangeable.

Right-facing puts the pole and base on the left of the graphic. Left-facing puts them on the right.

Choose based on where people approach from — you want the graphic presented first and the pole second.

Each orientation has its own artwork template. If you're producing a mirrored version of an existing design, flip the template shape, not the design content. Flipping the artwork itself gives you a graphic that reads backwards on the front, and is only legible as show-through from the back.

Single or Double Sided

Single sided is printed on one face. Dye-sublimation pushes the ink through the fabric, giving 80–90% show-through on the reverse — legible from behind, just softer. Fine for most positions and considerably cheaper.

Double sided is two printed flags with a blockout membrane between them, stitched into one unit. Full colour density both sides, no show-through. Available in Small, Medium and Large.

One important caveat: double-sided flags are substantially heavier, and flag bases aren't designed to carry that weight. Bases are not covered by warranty when used with a double-sided flag. If you're going double sided, a ground spike into soft earth is the safer anchor.

Flag Polyester or AirMesh?

Flag Polyester is the standard — denser colour, crisper print, and the better-looking flag in normal conditions.

AirMesh Polyester is perforated, so wind passes through rather than pushing against it. Colour is slightly less dense as a result, but on an exposed site — a coastal forecourt, an open field, a windy retail park — it takes considerably less punishment.

Sheltered site: flag polyester. Exposed site: AirMesh.

What's Included

• Printed flag with black elasticated sleeve
• High-performance aluminium and GRP poles, collapsible into sections
• Carry bag for pole and graphic

A base is not included. Choose one to suit the flag size and the ground it's standing on — see our flag bases and accessories. Grass or soil takes a ground spike; hard standing needs a weighted cross-brace or parasol base.

Assembly is push-fit, no tools needed.

Wind, Weather and Lifespan

Worth being straight about, because flags are consumables rather than permanent fixtures.

Take the flag down above Beaufort 4 — 13–18mph, a moderate breeze with small branches moving. Heavy rain with wind is worse than wind alone, since a soaked flag gains significant weight and strains the pole.

Realistic lifespan is around six months of regular flying, depending entirely on exposure and hours in the air. A flag out at weekends in a sheltered forecourt will outlast one flying continuously on an exposed roadside.

Air pollution greys white areas and UV gradually fades the fabric. A flag beside a busy road discolours faster than one on a quiet site.

Machine washable at 30°C with no detergent. Dry completely before storing, or you'll get mildew.

Check the flag isn't catching on its own pole or anything nearby, and don't site poles too close together — a snagged flag tears.

Replacement Graphics

The poles and base outlast the graphic several times over. Replacement flags can be ordered on their own, so a worn or out-of-date graphic means a new flag rather than a new kit.

Artwork Requirements

Use the template matching your exact size and orientation — each size differs in shape and proportion, so a medium template won't scale up to a large.

• Supply at the exact size of the template
• Fonts outlined, images embedded
• Important content inside the safe area line — background should run to the bleed line
• No template guide lines included or flattened into the file
• No crop marks, bleed marks or colour bars
• PDF preferred, AI or EPS also accepted
• Double sided: supply both front and back designs

The template marks where the elasticated sleeve sits — keep logos and text clear of it, since that strip wraps round the pole and isn't visible.

Every file is checked by a real person before printing, so obvious problems get flagged. We don't make changes or fixes to artwork — files should be supplied print-ready.

Turnaround & Delivery

Production takes 3–4 working days. Turnaround covers production only — delivery is on top of that.

Standard UK delivery is free on all teardrop flag orders, whatever the size or quantity. Collection from our Burnley production facility is also available.

Other shapes: feather flags for the largest usable print area, crest flags for a symmetrical shape, and fin flags for the beach and aquatic look.

FAQs

What sizes are available?
Four: Small 2210mm, Medium 2820mm, Large 3490mm and Extra Large 4350mm standing height.

What's the minimum order?
One. Order a single flag or a set.

Is a base included?
No. Poles and a carry bag are included, but the base is chosen separately to suit your flag size and the ground surface.

Should I choose left-facing or right-facing?
Right-facing puts the pole on the left of the graphic; left-facing puts it on the right. Pick based on which direction people approach from. Each uses a different artwork template.

Can I see the design on the back of a single-sided flag?
Yes, at around 80–90% show-through. It's legible but softer than the printed face.

Is double sided available in every size?
Small, Medium and Large. Extra Large is single sided only.

Why aren't bases warranted with double-sided flags?
Double-sided flags are considerably heavier and the bases aren't rated for that load. A ground spike is the more reliable anchor.

How much wind can it take?
Rated to Beaufort 4, or 13–18mph. Above that, take it down — particularly in heavy rain, since a wet flag adds significant weight.

How long will it last?
Around six months of regular flying, depending on exposure. UV and air pollution both take their toll.

Can I wash it?
Yes, at 30°C with no detergent. Let it dry completely before storing.

Is delivery really free?
Yes. Standard UK delivery is included on all teardrop flag orders.